In the previous blog, it was emphasised how the early church grew, how the Spirit of God in partnership with His people grew the church. The gospel message spread in Jerusalem, Israel and to Rome. We saw how Luke, in the book of Acts, provided the only legitimate historical evidence concerning the growth of the early church. Luke, in his record of people coming to know Jesus Christ was from different people groups.
Luke provided the growth numbers of the Christ-followers in his record. Now whether these are accurate numbers or estimates does not matter. What matters is that numerous people were coming into a relationship with Jesus Christ as saviour. For example, there were,
- 3000
who came to know Him on the Day of Pentecost: Acts 2:41
- Luke
went on to point out that the Lord added daily to the Church: Acts 2:47
- There
were 5000 who came to know Jesus Christ: Acts 4:4
- There
were multitudes of both men and women: Acts 5:14
- There
was as Luke said over and again, great multiplication (Acts 6:7); multitudes
(Acts 8:6-8); multiplication (Acts 9:31); myriads (Acts 21:20)
A further summary breakdown revealing the people who had come to know
Jesus Christ could like the following,
- The
Hebrews: (Acts 2:41,47; 4:4; 5:14, 6:1,7; 9:42; 12:24; 13:43; 14:1; 17:10-15;
19:20; 21:20)
- Non-Hebrews: (Acts 10:1-2, 44-48; 13:43;
14:1; 17:4,12)
So, the ministry of the risen and glorified Jesus Christ continued throughout the early church as recorded by Luke. It has continued throughout history of the church. It is regardless of the persecution, the ruling authorities of the day and country. The Church of Jesus Christ is still growing across the world today. It is growing in our country, state, city, region, neighbourhood, suburb, street workplace, club, etc., which is excellent. However, how involved in this growth are we, am I? We need to remember that we have been planted in the area that we are in by the Lord of the harvest.
Pause in His presence for a moment and think this over…
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